A model for a crack or a delaminated region in a PEM fuel cell anode: analytical solutions. (20th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berg, P.; Kulikovsky, A.A.
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 174(2015)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 429
• Publication Date: 2015-08-20
• Subjects: PEM fuel cell -- Anode cracks -- anode delamination -- modeling; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.05.189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Abstract: We develop a model for the potential and current density distributions in and around a long, straight and inactive ("dead") gap inside a PEM fuel cell anode. Physically speaking, such gaps represent cracked or delaminated domains in an anode catalyst layer. The dead region is modeled as a step function for the anode exchange current density. An analytical solution to the model equations is derived; the solution exhibits a large peak of the anode current density j a peak just outside the gap. For a typical cell current density of 1 A cm −2, a gap with a width of 400 μ m induces j a peak of about 4 A cm −2 . For smaller gap widths on the order of 10 μ m, which is typical for cracks, the effect is marginal. Variations in membrane thickness have a minor effect on j a peak .